61 patients with a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke and a normal angiogram and with no other explanation for the ischaemic event were followed up for a mean period of 6.3 years. Of 19 patients with a TIA 5 suffered further TIAs, and 1 of the 5 also an ischaemic stroke. 3 of 42 patients with a minor stroke had a new ischaemic stroke, in 1 case preceded by a TIA. In 2 stroke patients the lesion affected a new arterial region. 3 patients died of cerebral haematoma, in 1 preceded by an ischaemic stroke. 4 patients suffered myocardial infarction, and 1 of these died. The overall incidence of recurrent cerebral and cardiovascular symptoms was 23 (14 of 61 patients). The mean age was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in patients with recurrent cerebral and cardiovascular lesions. No correlation emerged between risk factors. Patients with a TIA or minor stroke and a normal angiogram and with no other known source of embolism have a better prognosis than patients with a known source of embolism. However, elderly patients in particular run an increased risk of cardiac and cerebral vascular incidents.
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